In a groundbreaking moment, Rochell Roache-Lanza etched her name into the records of aviation history as she became the first female American Airlines pilot of Vincentian heritage to gracefully touch down at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
In a groundbreaking moment that etched its mark in history, Rochell Roache-Lanza, the first female American Airlines pilot with Vincentian heritage, accomplished a remarkable feat.
She successfully piloted flight AA1427, a Boeing 737-800, from Miami to her beloved homeland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines with more than 100 passengers on board.
Honored with a water salute
As the Boeing 737-800 taxied to the airbridge at Argyle International Airport (AIA), Rochell Roache-Lanza, a 43-year-old native of Bequia, was met with a touching tribute.
A water salute, a tradition reserved for significant aviation milestones, showered her plane with arching jets of water. It was a poignant symbol of recognition for her remarkable journey.
Two decades of soaring heights
Roache-Lanza’s aviation journey spans nearly two decades. She honed her skills and expertise in Guyana and gained valuable experience operating planes in both Nigeria and the Caribbean.
Before joining the ranks of American Airlines, she made her mark with Caribbean Star, SVG Air, and LIAT, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the world of aviation.
A proud arrival: Witnessed by dignitaries and loved ones
As the aircraft touched down at AIA, several high-ranking public officials, along with Roache-Lanza’s relatives, gathered at the airport to bear witness to this historic moment.
Among them, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expressed profound pride in Roache-Lanza’s achievement.
Prime Minister Gonsalves told NBC Radio St Vincent and the Grenadines, that it is a moment of great pride for the country.
He noted that while it may appear to be a small accomplishment, it is of great symbolic significance.
“You have this major international carrier with someone from St Vincent and the Grenadines being a pilot. But in this case, it is a woman. A young lady who is very accomplished and experienced,” Gonsalves added.
He emphasized that having a Vincentian pilot with such accomplishments, particularly as a woman, is a source of inspiration for women and girls across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
